초록
Since Radix Stemonae was recorded hypothennal and a little toxic in the 'Myngyubelrok (名醫別錄)', it has been recorded as having the same nature in many herbal books. However, the security of Radix Stemonae when used to treat respiratory disease over a long term has not been studied until now. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the effects of Radix Stemonae on the main organs if Radix Stemonae is administrated over a long term. In order to investigate the histological changes of the liver and kidneys of rats after oral administration of Radix Stemonae extract, the experimental rats were subdivided into control, 1, 3, 5, 7, 21, 28 and 35 days after administration groups, and 10 rats per group were used in this study. The control group was sufficiently supplied with water and solid forage. The other groups were administrated the reagent at 5mg/kg once a day by oral injection. Several times each day, the experimental groups were carefully observed for any changes of general condition, toxic symptoms, activity, appearance and the number of dead rats. The experimental groups were weighed and narcotized. For the histological observation, the tissues of liver and kidneys of the experimental groups were collected, stained by hematoxylin-eosin stain, and evaluated by observing the changes of gross appearance and by observing microscopic findings. 1. This drug, during the experimental term, did not induce any toxicological effect in mortality, abnormal symptoms or changes of body weight except for the 1 day after administration groups whose body weights were decreased, compared to the control group. 2. No gross changes of the liver and kidneys were observed in this study. 3. No histological changes of the liver were detected in 1 day after administration groups. However, dilation of the central vein was observed in 3, 5 and 7 days after administration groups and chronic passive congestion of the liver was demonstrated in the 21 days after administration groups. In the 28 and 35 days after administration groups, a centrolobular disposition of fatty tissue (adipose cell) was observed. 4. No histological changes of the kidneys were observed in this study. It is evaluated that if Radix Stemonae is administrated for a long term, it induces toxicity in the liver. So, to examine the toxicity of Radix Stemonae on the liver and kidney, it is necessary that the studies of biochemistry and electron microscopic findings about Radix Stemonae be systematically performed.